Luke Rockhold Faces Vitor Belfort in UFC Debut

The two are slated to headline an event in Brazil, although no date or venue has been announced.

UFC president Dana White confirmed the match-up following the UFC on Fuel TV 7 pre-fight press conference in England on Tuesday.

Tatame.com reported the bout is expected to take place in April, but White did not confirm that timeframe.

“I just don’t know where or when,” said White, referring to a specific location in Brazil.

Rockhold (10-1) was the final Strikeforce middleweight champion. He defended the belt twice. In his last outing in July, Rockhold defeated Tim Kennedy by unanimous decision. The fight with Belfort will be his UFC debut.

Belfort (22-10) is coming of a technical knockout win over Michael Bisping at UFC on FX 7: Belfort vs. Bisping on Jan. 19 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The former light heavyweight titleholder called for a rematch with Jon Jones following the win over Bisping. He gets Rockhold instead.

Well Rockhold got thrown into the deep end with a fight against Belfort. Tough first assignment for sure. But if Rockhold wants to get a MW title shot, you’ve got to beat some of the best. He’s got a chance from the get-go now.

bajafox

You gotta admit it’s better than a “unification” fight with Anderson…

AJ

Belfort by rape

b-soc

Well Luke, be prepared to join the realm of highly ranked fighters who get fizzle out in their first couple of UFC fights! It was a good ride while it lasted.

Same here. Bisping made a statement saying he pretty much beat up Rockhold in a sparring session. Would have gave it a bit of hype. Oh well. Who do you have on this? I’m going with Rockhold. I would normally say Vitor but I have a different feeling on this one.